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emergency Definition

emer·gency (ē mʉr′jən sē, i-)

noun pl. -·cies

a sudden, generally unexpected occurrence or set of circumstances demanding immediate action

Etymology: orig. sense, emergence: see emergence

adjective

for use in case of sudden necessity an emergency brake

emergency Synonyms

emergency

n.

accident, crisis, unforeseen occurrence, strait(s), urgency, exigency, contingency, pressing necessity, pressure, tension, distress, extremity, danger, compulsion, turn of events, juncture, pass, predicament, misadventure, turning point, impasse, dilemma, quandary, plight, pinch, clutch*, pretty pass*, fix*, red alert*; see also crisis, difficulty 1, 2.

emergency refers to any sudden or unforeseen situation that requires immediate action the flood had created an emergency; exigency refers to such a situation with stress upon the need or urgency of a response to it the exigencies of the moment require drastic action; contingency is used of an emergency regarded as remotely possible in the future prepare for any contingency; crisis refers to an event regarded as a turning point which will decisively determine an outcome an economic crisis; strait (or ?straits) refers to a trying situation from which it is difficult to extricate oneself the loss left them in dire straits

emergency Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • declare: They discussed traffic density with ATC, and eventually declared an emergency in order to get priority for landing.
  • attend: Responders may be asked to attend any medical emergency in their area.

Adjective modifier

  • Malayan: The Battalion was deployed against terrorists in the Malayan Emergency from 1949-1952.
  • life-threatening: Tell us if you think there is a life-threatening emergency or the matter is urgent.
  • humanitarian: SALW are " creating major humanitarian emergencies and neutralizing economic progress, " said Pakistan.
  • dire: This was locked away aboard his ship, and rarely used except in the direst emergencies.
  • medical: Anyone wishing to vote by proxy on grounds of a medical emergency, must apply in writing by 5.00pm on Thursday 6th July 2006.
  • unforeseen: Unfortunately, the Faculty cannot help unless the difficulties are produced by an unforeseen emergency or change of circumstances.

Modifies a noun

  • contraception: But don't delay, emergency contraception works best if taken as soon as possible.
  • admission: Model B, looked at the mortality for emergency admissions only.
  • exit: You may experience some stress during the journey & your emergency exits are here; here; & here.
  • evacuation: Emergency evacuation Should the need to evacuate the hall arise for any reason an announcement will be made from the platform.
  • situation: Just a drop or two on the tongue can be of great help in any emergency situation.
  • lighting: Emergency lighting must be provided in areas where a sudden loss of light would create serious risk.

Noun used with modifier

  • out-of-hours: This service provides out-of-hours emergency care for many of the veterinary practices in Cardiff, the Rhymney and the Rhondda Valleys.
  • hour: Out of Hours Emergencies The council has an Emergency Repair Service to deal with very urgent repairs outside normal working hours.
  • hospital: Preparation of hospital emergency plans to cope with large influx of patients with burns, lung damage and trauma.
  • one-off: It can also take care of those everyday accidents and one-off emergencies in the home.
  • ambulance: WORKSOP fire crews are set to take industrial action over calls to make them respond to ambulance emergencies.
  • household: Household emergencies often happen when you least expect them.
emergency Quotes

   A man's mind will very generally refuse to make itself up until it be driven and compelled by emergency.

—Trollope, Anthony

To watch a football game is to be in prolonged neurotic doubt as to what you're seeing. It's more like an emergency happening at a distance than a game.

—Barzun,Jacques

'Faith' is a fine invention When Gentlemen can seeö But Microscopes are prudent In an Emergency.

—Dickinson, Emily Elizabeth

Men wiser and more learned than I have discerned in historya plot, a rhythm, a predetermined pattern. Those harmonies are concealed from me. I can see only one emergency following upon another, as wave follows upon wave; only one real fact with respect to which, since it is unique, there can be no generalizations.Only one safe rule for the historian: that he should recognize in the development of human destinies the play of the contingent and the unforeseen.

—Fisher, H(erbert) A(lbert) L(aurens)

: Bad language or abuse, I never, never use, Whatever the emergency; Though 'Bother it' I may Occasionally say, I never use a big, big Dö : What, never? : No, never! : What never? : Well, hardly ever! : Hardly ever swears a big, big Dö Then give three cheers, and one cheer more, For the well-bred Captain of the Pinafore!

—Gilbert, Sir W(illiam) S(chwenck)

Browse dictionary entries near emergency

  1. ‹ emergence
  2. ‹ emerge
  3. ‹ Emerald Isle
  4. ‹ emerald
  5. ‹ emendation
  6. ‹ emendate
  7. ‹ emend
  8. ‹ emeer
  9. ‹ -eme
  10. ‹ emcee
  1. emergency fund ›
  2. emergency room ›
  3. emergent ›
  4. emerging market ›
  5. emerging market equity fund ›
  6. emeritus ›
  7. emersed ›
  8. emersion ›
  9. Emerson ›
  10. emery ›